Ian Wright - Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal legend Ian Wright remains confident in his preseason prediction that the Gunners will win the Premier League title, despite a rocky spell of form before the international break.
Arsenal’s struggles coincided with captain Martin Ødegaard’s injury layoff, during which Mikel Arteta’s side dropped points in six matches. Meanwhile, Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have surged to the top of the table, holding an impressive nine-point lead over fourth-placed Arsenal.
Manchester City, typically dominant, have also faltered this season, with Rodri’s absence exposing vulnerabilities. However, Wright believes Arsenal’s performances have improved since Ødegaard’s return, and he refuses to waver on his bold prediction made in August duringThe Overlap.
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“I’m not going to change my prediction,” Wright declared on the latest episode of Wrighty’s House. “Not just because I want it to happen so much, but I think Arsenal needed this time where they kind of fell off in those results. Ødegaard getting injured forced them to knuckle down, and now look at them. It’s just about chasing Liverpool.”
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard (Image credit: Getty Images)
While discussing Arsenal’s title hopes, Wright also highlighted standout performers from other clubs, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.
Delap, 21, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City for £20 million, has been a revelation in the Championship. The young forward has tallied six goals and an assist in his first 11 starts, drawing comparisons to former Arsenal striker John Hartson.
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“Delap reminds me of when John Hartson came to Arsenal at 18 or 19,” Ian Wright said. “He doesn’t care about anyone—very technical, strong. City have got a buyback clause on him, and they’ll need it if he keeps this up.”
Wright also reserved praise for Baleba, who has impressed all season and played a key role in Brighton’s recent 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
“For me, apart from Baleba, who has been fantastic, Delap is the best player I’m seeing right now,” Wright added. “It’s a fun season, and these young players are making it even more exciting.”
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